The Tombot is a hyper-realistic robot pupper that could cure loneliness

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How can robots help us? It’s a question we’re asking more and more as we plod into the 21st Century, and the folks over at Tombot reckon they have an answer. The company has created a hyper-realistic robotic support dog that’s been designed to emulate the appearance and behaviours of a live animal. The android pooch is being targeted at seniors struggling with loneliness, and anyone else who can’t afford (or capably look after) a live pet. In theory, it should provide the same social functions as a real-life pupper, providing a personal attachment object that people can love and adore to help owners stay socially and emotionally engaged. Crucially, the Tombot ($449) will also respond based on where and how it’s touched, and can even listen to voice commands. In short: it’s man’s best friend without any of the hassle.

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I’m a freelance games and technology journalist currently mashing my keyboard in the name of fine institutions like Stuff, where you'll usually find me waxing lyrical about the latest mobile morsels. I've also been known to cook up some decidedly delicious reviews from time to time, and was once dubbed 'the games industry's answer to Nigella Lawson' by someone probably somewhere.